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James Ecker Obituary

PITTSBURGH (AP) - James Ecker, a prominent defense attorney who stoically accompanied some of the Pittsburgh area's most celebrated criminal defendants for decades, has died.

The Allegheny County medical examiner's office says Ecker was 84 when he died in his sleep of natural causes before his body was found about 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Ecker cut a distinguished figure with his white hair and dapper dress.

Among others, he represented John Vojtas, a Brentwood police officer acquitted in the death of Jonny Gammage, a black motorist and cousin of then-Pittsburgh Steelers player Ray Seals, who died during a 1995 traffic stop. Ecker also represented Thomas Hose, a former school security guard serving five to 15 years in prison for keeping a female student captive for a decade.

Law partner Brent McCune says Ecker "was the ringmaster" in many high-profile cases.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - James Ecker, a prominent defense attorney who stoically accompanied some of the Pittsburgh area's most celebrated criminal defendants for decades, has died.

The Allegheny County medical examiner's office says Ecker was 84 when he died in his sleep of natural causes before his body was found about 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Ecker cut a distinguished figure with his white hair and dapper dress.

Among others, he represented John Vojtas, a Brentwood police officer acquitted in the death of Jonny Gammage, a black motorist and cousin of then-Pittsburgh Steelers player Ray Seals, who died during a 1995 traffic stop. Ecker also represented Thomas Hose, a former school security guard serving five to 15 years in prison for keeping a female student captive for a decade.

Law partner Brent McCune says Ecker "was the ringmaster" in many high-profile cases.

Guest Book Highlights

"I just saw the obit and I am devastated. Jim was as one of a kind. I will miss talking to him. He was a dedicated champion of many causes, a creative mind and a strong man of his word. I will never forget him and how he treated me, helped me and..."- Michael Bernback (Los Angeles, CA)

"To the Ecker Family: Jimmy Ecker will be greatly missed. He was a friend of Mechelli (Mickail) Family. Rose and Leo had many dinners at their home where he enjoyed the best Italian dinners. Rest in Peace & God Bless You. The Mechelli..."- Ron & Mary Mechelli (Pittsburgh, PA)

"Dondi, Bert and I express our deepest sympathies. Jim was a good friend who we will sorely miss. We had a lot of great times together. I hope time passes quickly for you in your time of grief. Mitchell"- Mitchell Cowan (West Palm Beach, PA)

"My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort give you strength to cope with your loss." (Charlotte, NC)

"We have lost a prominent, compassionate attorney in Pittsburgh as well as a man with a kind heart! My deepest sympathy to the entire Ecker family and remember an angel is watching from above."- MJ Bramer Mathis (Pittsburgh, PA)

Other obituaries

Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from December 28 to December 29, 2013

ECKER JAMES M. On Wed., Dec. 25, 2013. Son of the late I. Elmer and Belle Ecker; survived by Barbara Ecker; and longtime loving companion of 34 years to Donna Murtha; loving father of Micki...
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Published online on December 25, 2013 courtesy of Tributes.com

On Wednesday, December 25, 2013. Son of the late I. Elmer and Belle Ecker; also survived by Barbara Ecker; longtime loving companion of 34 years to Donna Murtha; loving father of Micki Mallison...
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